By Jackson Russell
A culvert over Whiteheads Creek at Delatite Road in Seymour will be included in the 2021-22 Mitchell Shire Council budget after a decision was made to adopt a design standard to withstand a one-in-five year flood.
The decision comes after a an alternate motion from north ward councillor Fiona Stevens that pushed for a one-in-10 year standard and advocacy for future funding was defeated.
Cr Stevens said she was concerned the original council plan for a one-in-five year standard wasn’t sufficient for the crossing.
“If we’re going to do this, do it right. With a one-in-five, the road will not be raised adequately and would require further engineering at the approach to the crossing,” she said.
“It’s going to be a band-aid treatment and it’s not going to improve safety. Let’s not go for the bargain basement option, let’s go for what will solve the problem as best we can.”
Cr Stevens’ alternate motion was defeated five to four with councillors Annie Goble, Rob Eldridge and David Atkinson voting for the greater design standard.
The approved one-in-five year design is estimated to cost $914,000 while the one-in-10 year standed is estimated to cost $2.1 million.
Council’s report identified the one-in-five year flood design as the most favourable option.
Either design will also provide improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
